Davis Cupper Francis Casey Alcantara and partner Nio Tria started their doubles title campaign yesterday with a first-round victory in the 37th Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open at the PCA claycourts in Paco, Manila.
The top-seeded Alcantara, who won the Australian Open junior doubles crown, and Tria clobbered King Golfo and Francis Andrade, 6-1, 6-1, to lead the list of early victors in this weeklong event.
Also advancing in the second round were Allen Manlangit and Jordan Cimafrancia, who blanked Peterson Lee and Edu Manzano, 6-0, 6-0.
In Saturday’s men’s singles, Bryan Otico clipped Manlangit, 6-1, 6-0, to barge into the third round following Friday’s victory via default over Kristian Tesorio.
He arranges a meeting with No. 15 Marc Reyes, a 6-3, 6-3 winner over Rolando Ruel Jr.
Multiple champion and third pick Johnny Arcilla also made his title campaign felt with a 6-4, 6-4 win over wildcard bet Jurence Mendoza to set up a third-round meeting with brother Joseph Arcilla, a 6-3, 6-2 winner over qualifier John Jeric Accion.
In women’s play, sisters Clarice and Christine Patrimonio dumped their respective foes to march into the second round.
The second-ranked Clarice, who won the crown in 2015 and 2016, whipped Tameka Peterson, 6-0, 6-0, even as older sister Christine walloped Katherine Mercado, 6-0, 6-0. (Kristel Satumbaga)
